Mental health of police leaders: Differences and predictions of job demands and resources

Abstract Using the Job Demands-Resources model, we examined the differences between 365 police leaders and a matched follower sample (n = 365) in job demands, resources, and mental health as well as the prediction of demands and resources on two mental health outcomes. Leaders experienced a greater level of job satisfaction than followers but had also more quantitative demands and work privacy conflicts. Resources were also higher in leaders, except for autonomy over breaks and holidays which was scored lower. Work privacy conflicts and possibilities of development were shown by regression analyses to predict exhaustion and job satisfaction. Similarly, quantitative demands predicted exhaustion whereas predictability of work, autonomy over breaks and holidays, quality of leadership and recognition led to job satisfaction. The study provides valuable information for the promotion of mental health among leaders in the police.